‘It Is Shocking’: Agbakoba Reacts To DSS Revelation About Planned Interim Govt In Nigeria

Popular lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has described the recent revelation by the Department of State Services (DSS) that some people were planning to force an interim government on Nigeria as shocking.

Agbakoba in a statement made available to Naija News on Thursday said an interim government is alien to Nigeria’s constitution and must be resisted.

It would be recalled that the DSS on Wednesday disclosed that it has identified some key individuals plotting to scuttle the May 29 handover to a new government and force an interim government in Nigeria.

According to the DSS in a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the plot by the identified individuals is to set aside the constitution and undermine civil rule, sponsor mass protests as well as plunge the country into an avoidable crisis in order to make way for the planned interim government.

Reacting, Agbakoba said an interim government would be a major setback for Nigeria and all those involved in such plans should be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

He said no matter the grievances some people may have, the 2023 election has produced a President-elect and that development must be respected while those who disagree can go to court.

The statement reads: “It is shocking to learn from the Department of State Security that secret plans are underway to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and transition, by arrangements of what is described as an interim government. This will be a major setback and we must all resist.

“I suggest that the gravest possible consequences must be applied to all who are associated with this treasonable intent. The general elections have held, albeit under the most challenging circumstance. But a president-elect has emerged and we must respect and accept this as fact. At least for now.

“All leading Presidential candidates have approached the courts with grounds of complaint concerning what they consider as electoral irregularities. If the presidential candidates have accepted the democratic process by lodging petitions before the courts, then it is very difficult to understand upon what basis anyone considers that an interim government is a viable and legal alternative. We must all reject this nonsense and respect our Constitution, which has no provision for interim arrangements.

“As the President-elect is sworn into office on May 29, the Judicial process will ultimately render a decision. As Nigerians, we must turn to the Courts to render a decision on the petitions before them.

“The Judicial process will certainly carry a huge responsibility in the process of democratic consolidation. The notion of the contraption referred to as interim government, has no place in our lives and our constitution. WE MUST ALL SAY NO!”